Veterans Day is approaching. A day to remember all those who have served, and are currently serving, in the armed forces to project the United States of America.

In honor of all these men and women, the Carr Center is replacing torn and tattered American Flags at businesses and residence around town.

The center began taking donations for the Flag Exchange Program back in September and has collected 30 new flags courtesy of Community Bank, Rod’s Tire Town, Gamble’s Towing and individual donations.

Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill and Margarita Bar, at 746 Monroe St., was the first recipient in town of a brand new, Made in America, all-weather flag Wednesday morning.

Three Carr Center employees along with a few Carr Center patrons respectfully took down and folded the old flag before replacing and raising a new one.

Kim Grear, the General Manager of Tumbleweed, said she had no idea that her flag was going to be replaced this morning, but was thankful for the gift.

“It was a big surprise and I hear I was the first one for them to do it, so that’s kind of cool,” Grear, whose weathered flag was about six month old, said. “I was pleasantly pleased with the whole thing.”

Unfortunately, the replacement flag was slightly larger and heavier than the old one, so Marty Gamble, the Director of Nursing at the Carr Center, was going to return later Wednesday afternoon to also replace the rope to better hold the flag.

“It’s an awesome idea, and if there are local businesses that doesn’t have flags up in the front, I mean it’s almost encourage to get one in front,” Grear said. “I was really surprised, it was a really nice idea.”

If anyone is interested in donating Made in America flags, or monetary donations, to benefit the Flag Exchange Program, call Marty Gamble, the Director of Nursing at the Carr Center, at 740.453.5417.

Any businesses or residence in the area can also contact the Carr Center to request a replacement flag.

In honor of Veterans Day, Tumbleweed restaurant is offering a meal to veterans (up to $14.99) throughout the day Sunday, Nov. 11.